Gitzo G1348 or G1345 for Pentax 67/300mm combo?

[rod_sainty2]

Hi everyone,

 

I have recently bought a 300mm lens (pre-EDIF model, no tripod mount)

for my P67 and am now looking at a tripod upgrade. After finally

dismissing the Manfrotto 055 and 075 (Bogen 3021 and 3036), I am now

considering Gitzo, specifically the carbon-fibre G1348 (2.16kg) or

metal G1345 (2.75kg). I am asking for help because here in Australia,

the distributor has never brought a G1348 into the country and won't

unless I place a pre-paid order ($A1700, about $US900) on a non-

return basis. No-one can show me a G1345, either.

 

I have read good reports on this site regarding the heavier carbon-

fibre G1548 (3.07kg) with the P67 and telephotos, but would like to

limit the weight as much as possible as I do like to walk the trails.

I rejected the Manfrotto 075 (3036) because I knew I'd end up hating

the 4.5kg weight; it's also too long for backpacking and I dislike

the clumsy set-up and the unavoidable column.

 

I know that shutter vibration with the P67 is an issue, particularly

at 1/30-1/2 sec, and expect that I will have to use the 300mm with no

leg extension. However, I am also seeking a fairly tall tripod so

that I can use my shorter lenses (45, 90 and 165mm) at near-standing

height - I'm 6ft 3in tall. I own a Manfrotto 029 (Bogen 3047) head,

an extra 1.5kg, which I consider pretty stiff, but I realise that I

may need to get a telephoto bracket.

 

Does anyone have any direct experience they can relate? Is either the

G1348 or G1345 up to the job? I appreciate the time you have spent

just reading this post so far!

 

Regards, Rod

[eric_onore]

I use the 1325, which I believe is the same as the 1348 without the center column. I use the tripod with a variety of 35mm gear, but perhaps more comparable to your setup, with a Kiev 60. My largest lens for the Kiev is a 180 f2.8, which is a beast. I love this tripod! I have found this tripod to be more than capable of providing steady support for this combo.

 

As far as the height issue, I am 5 ft, 11 inches. The tripod, ballhead and camera together are about 2 to 3 inches too tall for me. I have to compensate by not extending the legs all the way. I would guess that the 1348 would be fine at your height.

[tony_armstrong]

Rod, the prices you are being quoted seem extremely high compared to local prices here in the UK, If you check Robert Whites site Specifically http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/tripods.htm#LabelGitzoA the G1348 is listed at £327 ($900 Aussie) which includes 17.5% vat, if you are shipping the item outside of the UK you do not pay the VAT (the equivalent of GST in Aus) !

 

I would suggest contacting them directly and discussing shipping options, or if you know any of the numerous travelers making their way home from the UK having them collect one for you, they can have the VAT refunded when they leave the country ... ???

 

e-mail me directly if you want any more info ?

 

cheers

Tony

[rod_sainty2]

Dear Eric and Tony, a rather belated thankyou to you both for your responses. Eric, good to hear of your positive experience with the G1325 with your Kiev. Tony, thanks heaps for pointing me to Robert White. I have discussed shipping arrangements with them and all looks easy on the shipping front. They seem very relaxed to deal with and offered to "hold my hand" through the whole process.

 

Thanks again for the great tips.

Rod.

[alex_weiner]

Rod: Just to echo sentiments of above. I purchased G1348 from Robert White in January. Best price and great service! Received in New York within 48 hours of order. I'm 6ft tall and use G1348, 1370M head with Hasselblad and this past weekend with my Sinar F2(8lbs without lens). Thus far, extremely satisfied with performance. Alex

[charles campbell]

I shoot full time with the Pentax 67II and I recommend the Dutch Hill P900

carbon fiber tripod. It is the only tripod that I have found to be absolutely rock

solid with the Pentax 67. The only drawback to this great tripod has been max

60 inch height which is a bit short for folks like me over 6 feet. But they now

offer a tall version, the P900T which is 10 inches taller. I have used the Gitzo

G1329 and while it is a good tripod, the P900 is even steadier.

 

http://www.charlescampbell.com/products/index.html#tripod